Is it Possible for Women to Feel Safe in the Outdoors?
- Elijah Adams
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
TL;DR: Female-only trips focus on community, confidence, and learning at a pace that feels good for everyone.
Is there a safe way for women to try backpacking for the first time?
Absolutely! Joining a women-only backpacking trip is one of the best ways to get started. These trips prioritize learning, support, and community, giving you the chance to build confidence, practice essential skills, and experience your first overnight adventure alongside experienced guides and other beginners.
I know that the woods can sometimes feel like a "boys' club," but we at Lost Terrain don't really vibe with that. We connect you with amazing female guides like Trish Schales (from Trails Diverged) and Anna Conard (from Blue Ridge Hiking Company) who lead backpacking trips just for women. These trips are all about supporting each other and having a great time in nature.
What makes a women's trip different?
Answer: The biggest difference is the atmosphere. These trips are designed to be welcoming and supportive, making it easy to ask questions, try new things, and learn at your own pace.
Learning something new as an adult can be scary because we don't want to make mistakes. Trish Schales, from Trails Diverged, creates a space where every question is a good one, from how to use a stove to how to pack a bag. In these groups, everyone is a beginner, so there is no pressure to be "perfect".
Do I need to be super fit to join?
Answer: No, you only need to be able to walk a few miles on a dirt trail to participate in many of our beginner trips.
The women's trips we showcase often have a chill pace, which means they move at a speed that works for the group. They take frequent breaks to catch our breath and look at the beautiful views.
"You don't know until somebody has to show you, right? Or you learn from experience where you make a mistake and that's what we're here for."
Can I combine hiking with other hobbies?
Answer: Yes, check out specialized trips like Women Write in the Wild that combine hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains with creative writing activities and deep reflection.
Some of our most popular bookings are for trips that are about more than just walking. For example, this creative retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains gives you time to sit on mountain peaks and write in a notebook. There are also mountain biking retreats where you can learn new skills and then relax in a hot spring afterward with companies like Trails Diverged in the Pacific Northwest.
Trip Type | Focus | Best For |
Skills & Gaining Experience | Absolute Beginners | |
Writing on Top of Scenic Overlooks | Soul Searching & Writers | |
Skills & Gaining Experience | Absolute Beginners |
Key Takeaways:
All-female groups offer a safe place to ask questions and learn.
You can learn at your own speed without feeling rushed.
Many trips combine hiking with writing, biking, or relaxation.
Our guides ensure you are safe both physically and emotionally.
Watch the Full Story: If you want to see the face behind these epic outdoor adventures, you have to hear Trish share her journey from van-life to training with her local search and rescue. Watch the full interview, "Adventures in the PNW with Trish Schales," on our YouTube channel, Lost Terrain Tours, to see how we build supportive communities!
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